Lighthouse Autism Center to Expand Services in South Bend, Indiana!

Therapy room at Lighthouse Autism Center with toys on a table with blue chairs and book shelves above

Author: Allison Gonyon

Lighthouse Autism Center to Expand Services in South Bend, Indiana!

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Lighthouse Autism Center Opening in South Bend, Indiana

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) continues to expand, now with a network of centers in three states – quite a journey from its humble beginnings serving four families in one building to now serving hundreds of families across three states for nearly a decade. It is truly amazing.

  • A room in the South Bend Lighthouse Autism Center under renovation with pieces of wood and a TV on the wall
  • A room with a yellow and gray wall, fan and red step ladder with a cardboard box at South Bend Autism Center
  • A therapy room under construction with a beige wall and spots of white paint with a blue carpet and window with the blinds open at South Bend Autism Center
  • A brightly lit empty therapy room with a gray and orange walls at Lighthouse Autism Center
  • A playroom being renovated with cardboard boxes on the floor and a blue wall at Lighthouse Autism Center
  • A kitchen with a refrigerator at the South Bend Lighthouse Autism Center with a bottle of cleaning fluid and a vaccum cleaner
  • A brightly lit therapy room with yellow and gray walls and a cardboard box the corner at Lighthouse Autism Center South Bend
  • A newly renovated therapy room with a green and gray wall and five cardboard boxes stacked with gray tape at LAC South Bend
  • A play-based therapy room with blue walls being renovated with cardboard boxes, paint tins and other materials on the floor
  • A therapy room being renovated at the South Bend Lighthouse Autism Center
  • An exterior shot of the South Bend Lighthouse Autism Center with a blue sky above the building

Additional Services will be Available for Local Families with Autistic Children

Our state-of-the-art children’s autism center is slated to complete renovations in the late fall of 2022 and will provide additional autism services to 21 children and their families and create over 27 new jobs in the area. 

With a mission of providing the highest quality autism services to children and families through our facilities, LAC has sought to do just that in South Bend, IN. As the need for ABA services continues to grow, LAC seeks to fill that need by expanding services to accommodate a larger capacity of learners, helping more families and children with autism, reach their goals.

Lighthouse Autism Center is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy provider

With beautiful autism clinics that promote natural and play-based learning, and a team of highly trained and compassionate clinicians, Lighthouse Autism Center brings together compassionate care and clinical excellence to offer the highest quality ABA therapy to children with autism.

With a unique clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion, children at Lighthouse are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun. While other ABA centers typically keep ABA and speech therapies separate, Lighthouse Fusion brings these two therapies together into one enhanced therapy solution. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative clinical model is helping to unlock each child’s potential. 

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center or enroll your child, contact our Family Outreach Coordinator at 574-387-4313.

South Bend Center contact information

1827 E Ireland Rd

South Bend, Indiana 46614

Family Outreach Phone: 574-387-4313

Don’t see an autism treatment center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

Find a Center Near You

Interested in finding an autism center near you? Click Find a Center below to view a full list of current autism therapy centers.

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Lighthouse Autism Center to Open New Center in Springfield, Illinois!

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Lighthouse Autism Center Opening in Springfield, Illinois

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) continues to expand, now with a network of centers in three states – quite a journey from its humble beginnings serving four families in one building to now serving hundreds of families across three states for nearly a decade. It is truly amazing.

The State Capitol is Getting its Very Own LAC

Our newest state-of-the-art aba therapy center in Springfield, Illinois is Lighthouse autism Center’s third children’s autism center to open in Illinois. It is slated to open in the winter of 2022 providing autism services to 30 children and their families and create over 40 new jobs in the area. 

With a mission of providing the highest quality autism services to children and families through our facilities, Lighthouse Autism Center has sought to do just that in Springfield, IL. As the need for ABA services continues to grow, Lighthouse seeks to fill that need by expanding into facilities that can accommodate a larger capacity of learners, helping more families and children with autism, reach their goals.

Lighthouse Autism Center is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy provider

With beautiful facilities that promote natural and play-based learning, and a team of highly trained and compassionate clinicians, Lighthouse Autism Center brings together compassionate care and clinical excellence to offer the highest quality ABA therapy to children with autism.

With a unique clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion™, children at Lighthouse are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun. While other ABA centers typically keep ABA and speech therapies separate, Lighthouse Fusion brings these two therapies together into one enhanced therapy solution. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative clinical model is helping to unlock each child’s potential. 

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center or enroll your child, contact our Family Outreach Coordinator at 217-295-2491 or visit our website.

Springfield Center Contact Information

614 N 6th Street

Springfield, Illinois 62702

Family Outreach Phone: 217-295-2491

Don’t see an autism treatment center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

Find a Center Near You

Interested in finding an autism center near you? Click Find a Center below to view a full list of current autism therapy centers.

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Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Spotlight: Corey

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight of the Month: Corey.

Corey Tells Us About His Time Working At Lighthouse

Corey is a Registered Behavior Technician at our Noblesville Autism Center, where he has worked for almost a year. Following graduation, Corey joined the Lighthouse Team and has exceled in his time here. When not at Lighthouse Corey enjoys sports, music, and being outdoors.

What made you decide to apply to Lighthouse?

I’ve had the opportunity to work in several different positions, but was looking for something more. After my dad passed, I knew I wanted to do something where I felt I was making a difference. I happened to find Lighthouse on Indeed. Even though I had no idea what ABA was at the time, it seemed like a job that I would enjoy and where I could make a difference.
What is your favorite part of working at Lighthouse Autism Center?
My favorite part about working for Lighthouse is interacting with the kids and seeing the progress they make each day. When I am working with a kiddo and they master a new skill or discover something new, it’s the best feeling and so rewarding.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time here?

Some of my favorite memories at Lighthouse involve spirit days and spirit weeks. It’s so fun to change up the daily routine with not only my team but the kids. Dressing as a favorite character, rocking our favorite sports team, whatever it is, you just feel an awesome energy at the center and it’s so much fun for our team and kids.

Ready for a career where you can make a difference?

Join Our Team About Us

Lighthouse Autism Center to Open New Center in Decatur, Illinois!

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Lighthouse Autism Center Opening in Decatur, Illinois

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) continues to expand, now with a network of centers in three states – quite a journey from its humble beginnings serving four families in one building to now serving hundreds of families across three states for nearly a decade. It is truly amazing.

Decatur Autism Center Coming this Winter of 2022

Our newest state-of-the-art aba therapy center in Decatur, Illinois is Lighthouse autism Center’s second children’s autism center to open in Illinois. It is slated to open in the winter of 2022 providing autism services to 25 children and their families and create over 40 new jobs in the area. 

With a mission of providing the highest quality autism services to children and families through our facilities, Lighthouse Autism Center has sought to do just that in Decatur, IL. As the need for ABA services continues to grow, Lighthouse seeks to fill that need by expanding into facilities that can accommodate a larger capacity of learners, helping more families and children with autism, reach their goals.

Lighthouse Autism Center is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy provider

With beautiful facilities that promote natural and play-based learning, and a team of highly trained and compassionate clinicians, Lighthouse Autism Center brings together compassionate care and clinical excellence to offer the highest quality ABA therapy to children with autism.

With a unique clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion™, children at Lighthouse are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun. While other ABA centers typically keep ABA and speech therapies separate, Lighthouse Fusion brings these two therapies together into one enhanced therapy solution. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative clinical model is helping to unlock each child’s potential. 

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center or enroll your child, contact our Family Outreach Coordinator at 217-295-2491 or visit our website.

Decatur Center Contact Information

427 East Ash Road

Decatur, Illinois 62526

Family Outreach Phone: 217-295-2491

Don’t see an autism treatment center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

Construction is underway and we cannot wait for the center to be completed!

  • A basement room with metal bars and the lights switched on being renovated into a therapy room for Lighthouse Autism Center
  • A gray room at Lighthouse Autism Center being renovated with a yellow step ladder and rubber on the floor
  • A room at Lighthouse Autism Center under renovation
  • A blurred shot of a therapy room at Decatur Lighthouse Autism Center with trash on the floor and a fridge
  • An interior shot inside the Lighthouse Decatur Autism Center of a room with a large window and a table with a piece of wood
  • A room at the Lighthouse Decatur Autism Center with a green wall, pots of paint and building materials
  • A room at the Lighthouse Decatur Autism Center with metal pieces on the floor and white walls
  • A doorway of a room being renovated with exterior orange walls and boxes on the floor and a step ladder
  • A hallway with yellow and green walls with two open doorways of rooms being renovated
  • A room with a kitchen made of dark brown wood in stage two of renovation and extra cupboards in the center of the room
  • A room with a kitchen made of dark brown wood and two basins with a strip of carpet removed from the floor
  • A room with freshly painted bright blue walls, and an open window
  • A view through an open glass door into a room with bright blue walls and an L-shaped piece of wood with a small fire hydrant
  • A corridor with blue, green and orange walls with a ladder and two people stood at the far end
  • A room with yellow walls and a window in the center and cardboard boxes, electrical wires and paint pots on the floor
  • A hallway with yellow walls and cabling on the floor
  • A pile of insulation material in the center of a room with brown flooring, black blinds and cream colored walls
  • A hallway with pale yellow walls and a person wearing a white decorator's suit repainting the wall
  • A room with stacks of wood piled on top of each other sat on a tray with wheels
  • A patch of grass surrounded by a fence with a piece of wood on top of the grass

Find a Center Near You

Interested in finding an autism center near you? Click Find a Center below to view a full list of current autism therapy centers.

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Lighthouse Autism Center Partners with Dinosaur Adventure 

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Lighthouse Autism Center is partnering with Dinosaur Adventure to offer tickets to children with autism and their families, as well as a sensory hour 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on both days of the event. The tickets will be offered to families currently enrolled at Lighthouse Autism Center.  

Dinosaur Adventure offers a prehistoric exhibit with big dinosaurs and massive family fun. For two days only, guests will have the rare opportunity to travel back 65 million years to experience the thrill of the prehistoric age. While giant dinosaurs are the “meat and bones” of the event, Dinosaur Adventure also features baby dinosaurs with which guests can interact.  

Other activities at the event include a realistic fossil search, Jurassic jeep races, prehistoric themed obstacle courses, dinosaur rides, and more.  

 

The event is open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 3 and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at the South Bend Century Center, 120 Doctor M.L.K. Jr Blvd. Guests can expect the average adventure to last two to three hours. Tickets start at $25 and should be purchased in advance at www.dinosauradventure.com/south-bend. Most activities, except for the mining area and face painting, are unlimited with each child’s admission.   

Lighthouse Autism Center is currently the largest ABA provider in Indiana with a network of locations across Indiana, southwest Michigan and central Illinois. Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States.  

Together, we can unlock your child’s potential

Contact Us Autism Resources

  

Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Spotlight: Haeleigh

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Meet Haeleigh, an RBT at Lighthouse Autism Center Champaign

Haeleigh is a Registered Behavior Therapist at our Champaign center, where she has worked since May of 2022. Haeleigh received her undergraduate in psychology at the University of Northern Colorado and she is currently enrolled to begin a Master of Arts program in neuroscience and neurocounseling at Bradley University this fall. She has two pets- a dog, Mico, and a cat, Weeble. Haeleigh recently moved to Champaign, Illinois to be closer to family and for her program at BU.

What made you decide to apply to Lighthouse?

I have always been interested in Autism Spectrum Disorder and working with children. I am excited to learn more about ABA at Lighthouse and have become more encouraged to spread the word of neurodivergence. The position has further inspired me to pursue my career in neurocounseling by learning more about behavior and behavioral analysis. With my experience at LAC, I am excited to be able to research additional therapy options like neurofeedback and biofeedback for people with ASD and similar disorders.
 
 

What is your favorite part of working at Lighthouse Autism Center?

Every day is different, and every role within the organization is vital. Each day our kiddos walk through the door, I know they learned a little bit more than the day before. Knowing it is because of my team at Lighthouse that we can change the lives of these kiddos and their families makes coming to work every day worthwhile. Witnessing joy from the kiddos as well as the RBT’s throughout the day is one reason that makes coming to work each day so easy.
 
 

Do you have a favorite memory from your time here?

I have so many wonderful memories of the little quirks and personalities of the kiddos. I think my happiest memories come from the joy and laughter of the kiddos, especially while they are having fun learning and mastering out of programs. It’s so rewarding working with a kiddo on a tough program, and then working with them a couple days later and seeing how far they’ve come to achieving a goal and progressing to more challenging programs.

Ready for a career where you can make a difference?

Join Our Team About Us

Autism Parent Support Group

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Autism Parental Support Group

Lighthouse Autism Center and the Autism Society of Indiana are partnering to host a free Parent Support Group for parents of children who are newly diagnosed with autism. The support group will involve a four-part series that will include a diverse and knowledgeable group of in-person speakers and light refreshments.

This is an in-person, free event! Lighthouse Autism Center in Noblesville, IN. 15755 N Pointe Blvd, Noblesville, IN 46060

Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/APQiJcFz9j

This is a four-part series.
Autism Parent Support Schedule

Session 1: September 12th
Session 2: October 25th
Session 3: November 30th
Session 4: TBD

For questions or more information, contact abbeyy@lighthouseautismcenter.com

Together, we can unlock your child’s potential

Autism Resources Contact Us

Lighthouse Autism Center to Open New Autism Center in Castleton, Indiana!

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Lighthouse Autism Center is Expanding Services into Castleton, Indiana

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) continues to expand, now with a network of centers in three states – quite a journey from its humble beginnings serving four families in one building to now serving hundreds of families across three states for nearly a decade. It is truly amazing.

Castleton Autism Center Coming this Winter of 2022

Our newest state-of-the-art ABA therapy center is slated to open in the winter of 2022 near Indianapolis, Indiana. Our children’s autism center will provide autism services to 60 children and their families and create over 85 new jobs in the area.

With a mission of providing the highest quality autism services to children and families through our facilities, LAC has sought to do just that in Castleton, IN. As the need for ABA services continues to grow, Lighthouse seeks to fill that need by expanding into facilities that can accommodate a larger capacity of learners, helping more families and children with autism, reach their goals.

Natural and Play-based ABA Therapy

Lighthouse Autism Center is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy provider. With beautiful facilities that promote natural and play-based learning, and a team of highly trained and compassionate clinicians, our autism center in Indianapolis brings together compassionate care and clinical excellence to offer the highest quality ABA therapy to children with autism.

With a unique clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion™, children at Lighthouse are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun. While other ABA centers typically keep ABA and speech therapies separate, Lighthouse Fusion brings these two therapies together into one enhanced therapy solution. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative clinical model is helping to unlock each child’s potential.

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center or enroll your child, contact our Family Outreach Coordinator at 317-222-1242 or visit our website.

Castleton Center Contact Information

7526 E. 82nd St

Castleton, Indiana 46256

Family Outreach Phone: 317-222-1242

Don’t see an autism treatment center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

Construction is underway and we cannot wait for the center to be completed!

  • A room at the Castleton Autism Center with silver pipes hanging from the ceiling and yellow walls with white on the edge
  • A room with yellow walls and two windows with a view to the street with construction supplies
  • A room at the Castleton Autism Center with red and black lights hanging from the ceiling
  • A hallway at the Castleton Lighthouse Autism Center with dark gray metal edging around the sides and white walls
  • A room at the Castleton Lighthouse Autism Center with plastic pipes hanging from the ceiling and other pieces on the floor
  • A room at the Castleton Lighthouse Autism Center with ripped up wallpaper on the floor and a cable
  • A blurred side angle shot of metal door and wall frames of a room at Castleton Lighthouse Autism Center
  • A blurred interior shot of a room in the Castleton Autism Center with large grey lights and horizontal metal panels
  • A room in Castleton Lighthouse Autism Center with curved tall windows and silver metal bars
  • A blurred exterior shot of Castleton Autism Center with a pipe on the ground
  • A blurred exterior shot of Castleton Autism Center with a blue sky above and parking bays in front

Find an Autism Center Near You

Interested in finding an autism center near you? Click Find a Center below to view a full list of current autism therapy centers.

Find a Center Contact Us

Applied Behavior Analysis

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

What is Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy focuses on the principles and techniques of learning theory to help increase or decrease certain behaviors. ABA therapy is a scientifically validated approach to understanding learning and behavior by looking at the function of the behavior and the environment in which it occurs.

Anything a person does is considered a behavior: talking, eating, coloring, tying shoes, etc… ABA Therapy looks at a particular behavior, studies the purpose behind a behavior to understand in what circumstances that behavior occurs, then uses various techniques to change the behavior, teach a new behavior, or a more functional way of doing that behavior.

For children with autism, ABA therapy focuses on three main areas of development: developing new skills, shaping, and refining previously learned skills, and decreasing socially significant problem behavior.

Developing New Skills

ABA therapy is incredibly effective in helping children with autism gain new skills. For example, if a child’s parent and clinical team determine that a goal for a child is to learn to tie their shoes, this would take place over a period of time with several steps. The child may start with going and finding his/her own shoes. Once that is mastered, the child might find them and place them on their feet independently. Following that, the next step might be to cross the strings. This would continue until the child is independently completing all steps of the process. These steps will be different for every child, but the concept is the same, start at the beginning and give the child the building blocks to complete the new skill independently.

Shaping and Refining Previously Learned Skills

Shaping and refining previously learned skills can take many forms. For example, initially a child may engage someone by pulling a caregiver to an item he or she wants. This may be the only way the child may know how to get someone’s attention. With ABA, this communication skills can be shaped into a different and more effective way of communicating. For example, the BCBA might teach the child how to point to an item instead. They might build towards using a picture communication system, using vocal sounds, or an Augmentative Alternative Communication Device. The possibilities are endless! While this is just one example of shaping previously learned skills, in ABA therapy skills can be shaped in a variety of milestones including, play and independent living skills, just to name a few.

Decreasing Problem Behaviors

Some of the first signs a child may have autism may come in the form of socially significant problem behavior such as, intense tantrums, inappropriate behavior, flopping, etc.

For example, if a child typically has tantrums during lunch, ABA therapy could help in many ways. First, the clinicians would evaluate the environment in which that behavior is taking place. Does this only happen when the child is eating at home? Or when the child is eating at a restaurant? Perhaps it happens while eating in a lunchroom setting, but not at home or while eating at a restaurant. What can the environment in which that screaming is taking place tell us about the behavior?

Once the root cause of the behavior, whether environmental, or something else, is identified, the next step is giving the child the tools to appropriately communicate their wants, needs, or what they do not like about the environment. Perhaps they are upset because they see other peers eating something they want. Maybe the lunchroom feels too loud or overwhelming. Whatever it is, we help give that child the tools to be able to tolerate that environment and appropriately express themselves.

Together, we can unlock your child’s potential

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Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Spotlight: Bryn

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

July’s Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight is Bryn

Bryn is the Clinical Director at our Fishers Autism Center, where she has worked since January of 2021 and has been in the field of ABA therapy for 11 years. Bryn received her undergraduate degree in child psychology at Bridgewater University in Massachusetts, her BCaBA at the Florida Institute of Technology, and then her master’s at Ball State University. She was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana and enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, going to the park and swimming.

What made you decide to apply to Lighthouse?

I am in the field because I love helping clients, families, and my clinical team achieve their individual goals and I enjoy being a part of their journey here at Lighthouse. I love ABA therapy because I love seeing the progress our learners make each day.
 

What is your favorite part of working at Lighthouse Autism Center?

My favorite thing about working for Lighthouse has been the continued collaboration with my incredible coworkers. I always enjoy the opportunities for career growth and cultivating my skills to become the best supervisor and mentor to my team.
 

Do you have a favorite memory from your time here?

There are so many memories! I love that I am part of creating an environment with my team and fellow clinicians that has a positive and tangible impact on our learners. I especially love the people that I work with each day and that we get to spend our days working together to make sure our learners are achieving the best outcomes.
 
Come be a part of our team!

Ready for a career where you can make a difference?

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Lighthouse Autism Center to Open New Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan!

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Lighthouse Autism Center Opening in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) continues to expand, now with a network of centers in three states – quite a journey from its humble beginnings serving four families in one building to now serving hundreds of families across three states for nearly a decade. It’s truly amazing.

Kalamazoo Autism Center Coming Late Summer of 2022

Our newest state-of-the-art children’s autism center is slated to open in the late summer of 2022 and will provide autism services to 28 children and their families and create over 30 new jobs in the area. 

With a mission of providing the highest quality autism services to children and families through our facilities, LAC has sought to do just that in Kalamazoo, MI. As the need for ABA services continues to grow, LAC seeks to fill that need by expanding into facilities that can accommodate a larger capacity of learners, helping more families and children with autism, reach their goals.

Lighthouse Autism Center is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy provider

With beautiful facilities that promote natural and play-based learning, and a team of highly trained and compassionate clinicians, Lighthouse Autism Center brings together compassionate care and clinical excellence to offer the highest quality ABA therapy to children with autism.

With a unique clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion, children at Lighthouse are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun. While other ABA centers typically keep ABA and speech therapies separate, Lighthouse Fusion brings these two therapies together into one enhanced therapy solution. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative clinical model is helping to unlock each child’s potential.

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center or enroll your child, contact our Family Outreach Coordinator at 269-249-1490

New Kalamazoo East Center Contact Information​

3744 Gull Rd.
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49048

Family Outreach Phone: 269-249-1490

Don’t see an autism treatment center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

Construction is underway and we cannot wait for the center to be completed!

  • A room in Kalamazoo East Autism Center with a ladder on the floor and wall insulation in between metal wall framing
  • A room in Kalamazoo East Autism Center with piles of drywall, a red ladder, fire extinguisher and blue wall in the background
  • A hallway in Kalamazoo East Lighthouse Autism Center with open insulation and metal frames of doors
  • A room in Kalamazoo East Lighthouse Autism Center under construction and two builders moving a piece of scaffold inside
  • A room in Kalamazoo East Lighthouse Autism Center with building materials, work benches and boxes
  • A room at Kalamazoo East Lighthouse Autism Center under construction with drywall piled in the center

Find an Autism Center Near You

Interested in finding an autism center near you? Click Find a Center below to view a full list of current autism therapy centers.

Find a Center Contact Us

Sensory-Friendly Tips for Children with Autism on July 4th

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Navigating the Holiday with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Holidays in general can be overwhelming and overstimulating for children with autism. The 4th of July Holiday can be one of the more overstimulating holidays consisting of large social gatherings, fireworks, parades, festivals and more! Preparing for these upcoming activities is crucial.

There are various ways to ensure that the holiday is safe and memorable for children with autism. Here are a few tips for families and caregivers of children with Autism:

Prepare your child in advance

Prepare your child in advance by telling them what is going to happen at the fireworks display or celebration. Focus on the fun aspect and let your child know that you are excited for these upcoming activities. Engage your child in the excitement and get them excited! Tell them about the holiday and stories of the good food, friends, and activities.  You can read your child books about similar celebrations or show them videos online or even take them to the location beforehand to introduce and bring familiarity to the situation. Create a plan for activities including timing, location, safety, and helpful supplies. Have a plan B. It is important to understand your child’s limits.

Determine a location and create a safe space

Choose a location where your child can retreat easily, such as at home with a view of fireworks, where a quiet room is available if they need a break from the noise and lights or watch by distance from inside your vehicle. You can also create a special space for your child to make them feel more comfortable by bringing their favorite comfort items such as a pillow and blanket or a chair.  It is important that your child feels comfortable and safe and has a space to prevent overstimulation. Create an escape plan if your child becomes too overstimulated. Events like community fireworks can become hectic, fast. As the crowd’s swell, noise grows, and children on the autism spectrum become prone to meltdowns. That is why identifying an escape route to a quiet place is important.

Bring helpful supplies and favorite items

Pack a bag ahead of time with sensory toys, games, and familiar snacks. Also consider headphones for children who are sensitive to loud sounds. As we all know, fireworks can pack a lot of sensory stimulation. Sensory items and snacks can provide a crucial distraction if your child gets antsy while waiting for activities to start.

Make safety a priority

Put a strong focus on safety around fireworks. Wandering and accidents can happen at any time.  However, being in an unfamiliar environment can increase the risk.

Ask for help

Be clear with other adults around you about how they can help make the event comfortable for your child with autism. Make sure your child knows how to ask for help and how to ask for a break from the party or noise. If your child is verbal, they may only need a reminder.  However, many children on the autism spectrum do best with a visual aid. For example, provide your child with a special card to hand to you when they need a break from the stimulation.

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